by NZ Catholic staff
A cherry picker and sense of adventure have proven invaluable for Marist priest Fr Michael Mahoney.
Fr Mahoney, who had 30 years in Brazil, now works in South Westland.
For Fr Mahoney, a cherry picker helps him maintain several parish buildings, and also extends his ministry.
“What I’m doing is a service to parishioners.”
People ask for his help to do jobs that need a high reach.
Owned by the parish, the cherry picker and Fr Mahoney’s help are not limited to Catholics.
Fr Mahoney said that doing ordinary work at times in the community helps him meet people who do not otherwise
have contact with religion or a priest.
Fr Mahoney said he thinks it is important for the Church to show its care for country people and that it values their way of life.
Is Father Michael Mahoney still in Waharoa. I would love to see him if he is still on the west coast. Our parents were good friends. His mother Ngaire was a great friend of our mothe, Jo Whittington.
Fr Mahoney is currently parish priest of South Westland – Our Lady of the Woods Parish.